Italy's ambassador called for integrating sports into urban policy system

Sport should be integrated into the system of urban policy, sustainable development, and international cooperation, rather than being treated as a separate sphere, the Ambassador of Italy to Baku, Luca Di Gianfrancesco, said during a panel discussion at WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, there is already a broad understanding today that sport is an important element of public well-being.

"Today it is already widely recognized that sport is a necessary and fundamental element for enhancing well-being - both at the individual and societal levels," the diplomat noted.

At the same time, according to him, the approach to the perception of sport at the level of public policy needs to change.

"Sport is most effective when it is embedded in a broader strategic framework that brings together infrastructure, urban planning, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability," the ambassador emphasized.

He added that sport can contribute to urban regeneration and the strengthening of social cohesion.

"Sport can contribute to urban regeneration and renewal processes, which directly impact the well-being, safety, and social cohesion of society," the Italian ambassador concluded.